Holder and form duplicator for flame cutting hand torches



Deu 23, 1952 E. F. KROHN HOLDER AND FORM DUPLICATOR- m2 FLAME CUTTING HAND TORCHES Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 7, 1949 In ueutor Emil F. Kro/m Q05 2. y w

Dec. 23, 1952 Filed March '7, 1949 E. F. KROHN 2,622,328 HOLDER AND FORM DUPLICATOR FOR FLAME CUTTING HAND TORCHES 6 Sheets4Sheet 2 26 40 I26 421 w I F L5? 52 3a H 42 25 40 Fig.2. 40 52 u [4 in 44 I/ 30 i i 30 26 I0 r 28 40 3a 40 3a 40 Fig Inventor E mil F. Ki o/m if 7. WW v6 Dec. 23, 1952 E. F. KROHN 2,622,328

HOLDER AND FORM-DUPLICATOR FOR FLAME CUTTING HAND TORCHES Filed March '7, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Emil F. Kro/m M away E Dec. 23, 1952 E. F. KROHN 2,622,328

HOLDER AND FORM DUPLICATOR FOR FLAME CUTTING HAND TORCHES Filed March 7, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 I88 266 228 Inventor E ml'l Kra/m Dec. 23, 1952 E. F. KROHN HOLDER AND FORM DUPLICATOR" FOR FLAME CUTTING HAND TORCHES .a Sheets-wit 5 Filed March '7, )949 5 74 78 76 \\\\& 80 WI ,4

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Inventor Emil F. Kra/m By 2mm Dec. 23, 1952 E. F. KROHN 2,622,328

HOLDER AND FORM DUPLICATQR FOR FLAME CUTTING HAND TORCHES. Filed March 7, 1949 fifihts-Sheet 6 Inventor 2 Emil F. .Kra/m By M606.

(wig away. E/mg Patented Dec. 23, 1952 UNITED STATES i1: QF CE assassinate n PLroA'ron Foe FLAME QUTTING HAND TORCHES This invention relates to new and useful improvements in pantographs and the primary object of the presentinvention is to provide a holder and form duplicator forflame cuttinghand torches. A

Yet another important object ofthe n'esent invention is to provide very-li htmetal templates of any size, shapeor. contour that are, cut -from metallic blanks by tin snips or such other manually actuated cutting tools. I

-Another important object of ,the present invention is to providea machine for accurately and economically cutting sections of various shapes, suchas circular, elliptical, rectangular, octagonal, polygonal, trapezoidal, trian ular, square or the like, from metallic sheets.

Yet-another objectof the present invention is to provide a pantograph that is so constructed as to permit the same tobe quickly and readilyoperated by skilled or unskilled labor in a convenient and safe manner.

Another featureofthepresent inventionis to provide a torch cutting apparatus ,includin na torch holder, a template. and novel and improved template following means which are manually operated to trace a desired pattern and thereby cuta patternin a sheet of metal .by a torch mounted ontheholder.

Another feature of the present inventionhis to provide aholder and form duplicator ,forflame cutting hand torches including a .torch holding mechanism constructed for use'w'ith various types of torches.

Another feature of the present inventionisto provide a torch cutting apparatus including a movable torch supportingframe andanovel and improved template following,mechanismezthat. is readily adjustable for cutting circular patterns .of various diameters, from sheetmetal.

Another feature of:thepresent.inventionlis to provide a manually operated met'aleworkingmachine including a fixed, main, frame, a movable frame, and embodying novel and .improved mounting means for attaching the movableframe to the fixed frame.

Another feature of the present invention. is to provide a pantograph including a template follower having a: knurledsuriaced tracer .arm so constructed as to permit ;-the same to .gripLthe edges of a, template for reducing to a minimum therounded corners of a lnulti-sided figurecut in a sheet of metal by a torch held on the panto graph. 7

A further object of the present invention is to provide .a holder and form duplicator, for .flame cutting hand torches that isso constructed as to facilitate the same to be quickly and readily converted to use for either a right handed .or left-handed operator. H

Yet, another very importantobject of the present invention islto provide a pantograph that is extremely. small and compact in structure and which is manually operated toreducethenurnber of working parts and the added expense of having motor means for automatically operating the same. A still further aim of the present invention is to provide ametal-working machine of the aforementioned characterthatis simple and practical in construction, strong and reliable in use effrcien'tand durable in operation, neat and attractive in appearance, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and otherwise welladapted for .the purposes for Which the same is intended.

Other objects and advantages residein the .details of construction and operation asmorefully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figures 1 and 1A are enlarged fragmentary top plan views of the present invention inposition for use with the template and template -follower illustrated in Figure 1 and the work piece and torch shown in Figure 1A;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of themain frame or table, per'se, and showing the template support applied thereto;

Fig'ureB is a front elevational view of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an end view taken substantially in the plane of section lines 6 -4 of Figure 3;'

, Figure 5 is a detailed sectional view of the rotating frame assembly applied to the main frame, the eccentric crankissh'own clockwise from their position in Figures land 1A, and with dotted lines showing i the paths: r nidvem for various elements of the rotating frame;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary top plan view of 'the rotatable frame assembly, the torch guide and template follower support applied thereto, the template follower and torch being removed for clarity in description;

Figure 7 is a front elevational view of Figure 6 and showing the template follower applied to its support and positioned with respect to a template;

Figure 8 is an end view taken substantially on the plane of section line 8-8 of Figure 7, and showing a torch applied thereto and in position to its work piece.

Figure 9 is an end view taken substantially on the plane of section line 9-4! of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary view, partly in elevation and partly in section, showing the manner in which the swingable frame is attached to the main frame;

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view illustrating the radius arm used in conjunction with the present invention;

Figure 12 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken substantially on the plane of section line i2l2 of Figure 1;

Figure 13 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken substantially on the plane of section line I3-l3 of Figure 1;

Figure 14 is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing the template following member used in conjunction with the present invention; and,

Figure 15 is an enlarged front elevational View showing the manner in which the work piece is held in position for cutting, and with parts of the supports broken away for the convenience of explanation.

Referring now to the drawings in detail and more particularly to Figures 2, 3, e, 5, and 10, wherein for the purpose of illustration, there is disclosed a preferred embodiment of the main or fixed frame that is used in conjunction with the present invention.

The numeral I0 represents a substantially rectangular and open frame of preferably square or box iron construction and including end members i2 and side member [4. Extending transversely'between the side members [4 and disposed adjacent and parallel to the end members I2, is a pair of square tubes or members or box iron reinforcing straps I6 having their terminals fixed to the side members l4 by welding or the like.

Rigidly secured to the end members 12, intermediate the ends thereof, are angle iron clips i8 for a purpose which will later be more fully described.

The side members 54 are formed, at their centers, with openings 21 which serve as connecting bolt holes when stiffener angles (not shown) are used to reinforce the main frame One of the side members I4 is provided with a further pair of openings or apertures 22 that receive suitable bolts for attaching a form table top or plate (later to be described), relative to the frame [0 and at the right or left end thereof depending upon which of the openings 22 is utilized.

Gusset plates 24 are fixed to and depend from the ends of the end members 12, and further gusset plates 26 are fixed to and depend from the ends of the side members l4. An angle iron leg or support 28 is associated with each pair of gusset plates 24 and 28, at the corners of the frame 10, and these legs are detachably secured to the gusset plates by bolts and nuts 39 or such other suitable fasteners.

The lower ends of legs 28 are welded to bearing feet or plates 32 having suitable apertures for receiving fasteners whereby the main frame may be removably secured to a supporting structural element such as a floor.

The four legs 28 supporting the frame it is an elevated and substantially horizontal position are embraced by a further substantially rectangular brace frame 34 of preferably angle iron constructicn. The frame E l being detachably secured to the legs 23 through the medium of bolts and nuts 3%, as well as lock washers.

Diagonal corner braces 38 extend between the ends of sides of the frame 34 and are terminally secured to the frame 34 by bolts and nuts 40 to hold the frame 34 in its substantially rectangular shape.

Rectangular anchor plates in are rigidly secured to longitudinally extending, inverted, channel members 44, which in turn are welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the ends of the tube members 12 and it.

Circular plates 4'5 are tack welded to the webs 4 of the channel members 4 and will be referred to as swing arms, bottom washers or ball bearings race seats.

Directional swinging arms ttention is now directed to Figure 10 wherein there is illustrated the manner for attaching the rotating arms or directional swinging arms 48 to the main frame H1.

The arms 48 include enlarged substantially circular end portions that are centrally apertured to receive headless bolts 54). The bolts 50 are tack welded to the outer faces 'of the arms 48 and extend downwardly through vertically aligned openings 52, 54 and 56 provided in the plates 45, channels 44 and anchor plates 42.

, Suitable encased, slow action, thrust bearings 58 are received on the lower ends of the bolts 50 and are held against the anchor plates 42 by jamb nuts 60 threaded on the lower ends of said bolts 5b. Washers 62 embracing the bolts 50 are interposed between the bearings 58 and nuts 69.

In order to add weight to the enlarged end portions of the arms 48, arcuate aprons 64 are welded to the outer arcuate edges of the enlarged end portions and loosely embrace the channels 44.

A plurality (preferably eight), of circumferentially spaced recesses or holes 56 are drilled in the enlarged end portions of the arms 48, from their undersurfaces, part way up through the top sides, as to allow the arm material to remain above, such as flanges 68, which function as a means for retaining ball bearings 10 within the seats or holes 66 with a portion of each ball bearing 19 projecting below the lower surfaces of the arms 43.

The ball bearings 19 ride upon the upper surfaces of the plates 46 and washers 12 received on the bolts 58 are disposed between the arms 48 and the plates 46. r V

The arms 48 are provided with'any suitable number of slots, openings or cut-outs 14 that will reduce the weight of the arms and the reduced, free ends 16 of the-arms 48 are provided with openings 18 that receive the lower headless ends of upstanding bolts Bil. It should be noted that the bolts are welded to the undersurface of the arms 43.

' Movable frame Reference isnow directed to Figures 5 and 10 wherein there is disclosed the movable frame 82 .eye portion I46.

the manner employed for securing the same to the rotating arms 48.

Themovable frame 82 is preferably rectangular in configuration and consists of a plurality of elongated tubular members which are terminally welded together. The corners of the movable frame 82 are reinforced by forward and rear pairs of gusset plates 84 and 86 and the forward gusset plates 84 are provided with extensions 88 that are disposed laterally of the movable frame and at the forward ends thereof. 7

The gusset plates 84 and 86 are provided with openings 98, spaced inwardly of the corners of the movable frame 82, and these openings 98 receive the bolts 80.

Upper and lower thrust bearings 92 and 94are received on the bolts 80 and are disposedabove and below the gusset plates 84 and 86; I Washers 96 are disposed on' the bolts Bland between the bearings 94 and end portions 160i arms 48, and further washers 98 are mounted on the bolts 88 and are disposed between the bearings 92 and nuts I80 threaded on the upper ends of the bolts 88.

Fixed to and projecting laterally from the forward longitudinal member I82 of the movable frame 82, is a pair of spaced parallel short tubes, or stops I84 having fiat outer ends to which there is welded transmission rod bumpers or stops I86.

Each of the rear gusset plates 86 are provided with a pair of spaced openings I68 so that a hose holder (later to be described) may bebolted to a selected one of the rear gusset plates, depending on whether the instant structure is to be used by a left or right handed operator.

In Figure 5, the dotted line circles I I8 indicate the paths followed by the bolts 80, the dotted line circles II2 the paths followed by the fastener I24 in the extensions 88, the dotted line arcs (approximately 170) I18 the paths followed by the bolts I58, and the dotted line arcs (approximately 170) IE8 and I28 the paths followed by both the template follower (later described) and the torch tip (later described) in either direction.

Connecting means between forw ard gusset extensions Means is provided for joining the extensions 85 of the forward gusset plates 84 and this means comprises transmission arm members I22 that are secured to the extensions 88 by fasteners I24. The arm members I22 are provided with spaced openings I26 and the free outer ends of the arm members I22 are fixed to vertically disposed sleeves or bosses I28.

The arm member at one end of the movable frame includes a rear portion or fiat plates I38 and the remaining arm member includes a rear portion I32 or metal flats welded to the rear portion I32, The rear portion I36 supports an upstanding rod I34 having an upper eyeterminal I36.

The arm member I22 associatedpwith the portion I38 is provided with an internally threaded recess or socket I38 that receivably engages a perforated stud I46 having a hand grip I42.

Detachably secured to the portion I32, is a substantially U-shaped support I44 having an The arm member I22, associated with the portion E52 holds a U-shaped clamp I48 the legs ofwhich are connected by upper and lower bolts and nuts I56 and I52, it being understood that the clamp I48 is secured to the arm member by a bolt and nut retained in a se- 6 lecte'done, of the openings provided in its asses ciated arm member.

Upper and lower, arcuate-and perforated plates I54 and I56 are attached to each of the arm members I22 by bolts I58 passing through the sleeves and selected openings in the plates I54 and I56. The plates I54 and I56 are provided with substantially vertical webs I60 and I62 that are apertured to receive the terminals of upper and lower" connecting rods I64 and I66. The rods I64 and I66 are further joined, intermediate their ends, by a suitable bracket or clip I68.

The bolts I58 receive nuts I18 and washers I12 carried by the bolts I58 are interposed between the nuts I18 and the upper plates I54.

Template follower In order to retain the present template follower I14 relative to one of the sleeves I28 (see Figure 14), there is provided an arcuate plate I16 that is removably secured to one of said sleeves I28. This plate I16 is provided with a laterally projecting arm or spacer I18 that supports avertically disposed bearing I86.

Journaled for rotation in the bearing I89 is a vertical template following rod I82 having its lower end externally knurled, as at I84; The lower end of the rod I82 is provided with an inernally threaded recess its? that receivably engages a fastener I88.

A slotted disk I82 having aneccentrically d-isposed finger grip I94 is fixed to the upper end of the rod I82 and a tubular hand grip [Stembraces the rod I82 and is disposed between the disk E82 and the bearing I88. It is noted that the grip E56 is rotatable on orabout the rod I82.

Torch tip holder Means is provided for holding the tip- I86 of a torch I88 relative to the movable frame and this means comprises an arcuate plate 268 that is removably secured to the remaining of the sleeves I28. This latest plate 288, like plate I16, supports an arm 252- havin an opening 264' in which the torch tip I65 is seated (see Figures 6 and 8).

Detachably secured to one of the rear gusset plates 88, is an upstanding bracket 286 having a laterally projecting hook or loop 288 that receives the flexible delivery tubes 2H! of the torch I98, and since the torch is illustrated as being disposed on the left side of the present construc- Template or form holder Means is provided for holding templates of forms relative to the main frame !8, and this means comprises a plurality of posts or legs 2I5 that are connected by links 2 it. Their legs 2I5 are secured to the brace frame by links or straps 2 28 and to the angle iron clip 8 and frame It by a brace member or strap 222,

The lower ends of the legs 2H5 are provided with apertured anchorin plates 2 24 and the upper ends of the legs 2I6 are provided laterally projecting lugs 226 for attachment to a tem-. plate holding plate or table 228. The plate 228 is also secured to the frame In to hold theplate 228 against movement relative to the main frame It, and through the use of a fastener 235 that engages one of the openings 22. I f A pair of juxtaposed, oppositely placed angle rules 232 and 234 are removably secured to the plate 228 and have their inner edges graduated, as at 236 so that squares or rectangles of predetermined areas may be defined by a relative positioning of the members 232 and. 234.

A further template such as 238 is also removably secured to the plate 228 and is of any suitable shape or size.

Radius rod Attention is next directed to Figures 1, 11 and 12, wherein there is disclosed a means associated with the follower rod for use of the follower in making circles. This means includes an anchor plate 2% that is secured to the plate 223 by fasteners 242. The plate 225 includes an upstanding lu 224 and a collar 265 having a recess 248 receiving the lug 2M and is rotatable on the lug 254.

The collar 2% is formed with a diametrically disposed opening 258 that receives a threaded radius arm 252. A pair of lock nuts 252 and 256 receivably engaged on the arm 252 abut the collar 246 and retain the arm 252 longitudinally adjusted relative to the collar for rotation about the lug 244 as a pivot.

An angle member 258 is fixed to one end of the arm 252 and includes an opening 252 for receiving the fastener I88 carried by the rod W2. A knurled surface nut 252 receivably engaging the rod or arm 252 bears upon the plate 228 and holds the arm 252 substantially horizontal, and also affording it traction.

By use of the above described radius arm 252 circles of various diameters may be traced by the follower rod and followed by the torch tip.

As best shown in Figure 13, the angle members 232 and 232 are detachably secured by fasteners 1 to spacer blocks or lugs 26!; having outwardly projecting pointed elements 268 that are driven into the plate 228, such an arrangement will permit adjustment of the plates 232 and 234i relative to each other. The lugs 25% are provided with continuous V-shaped grooves for receiving a claw hammer to permit removal of the said lugs.

Work support In order to support a work piece or metal sheet 219 relative to the frame N], there is provided a plurality of hollow uprights 272 having bearing feet 224. The upper ends of the uprights are open and receive the shank portions 218 of conical elements 218 that support the sheet 275. Height adjusting washers 279 are carried by the shank portions 216 and bear upon the upper ends of the uprights.

In practical use of the present invention for cutting circles in the metal sheet 2'18, the rod or arm 252 is adjusted relative to the collar 2-25, by the nuts 25 i and 255, so that the rod I32 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the lug 254.

As the rod 252 is swung manually at the above described radius, the torch will follow the same circle made by the rod 252.

When patterns other than circles are to be cut by the torch, the rod I82 follows the template 8 mounted on the table 228 and the torch tip will also follow the movement made by the rod 252.

In order to insert, remove or replace the ball bearings iii, any suitable wedge or tool is inserted between the arms 28 and the plates 46 which will space the arms 28 from the plates 26 to permit access to the ball bearings.

Obviously, any suitable torch could be applied to the movable frame and clamped between the legs of the clamp I 48 and the upper and lower bolts I58 and I52, although it is preferred that the torch be provided with a control valve trip lever 2l2 so that the flame emitted from the torch tip can be regulated and controlled by turning the hand grip Hi2 which will pull or release the lever 2i2 through the cord or flexible element 2M. V

A novel feature of the present invention resides in the fact that most of the mai or parts are quickly formed by the use of the instant apparatus, thereby permitting repair and replacement of parts at a very economical cost.

It should be noted, that the present invention is adapted for use with scrap metal, however, when such replaces the sheet metal 2'52 the uprights 222 are detachably secured to a holding plate that supports a plurality of relative close conical elements, such as 218, having shank portions that are received in apertures formed in the said holding plate.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. A holder and form duplicator for flame cutting hand torches comprising first and second similarly shaped rigid frames each having a plurality of corners, said frames being juxtapositioned with each corner of the first frame located adjacent a corner of the second frame, a plurality of arms terminally pivoted to the adjacent corners of the frames to permit rotation of the frames relative to each other, a pair of arm members pivoted t a pair of corners of said first frame, means carried by one of said arm members for supporting a torch, means carried by the other arm member for supporting a follower, and a member connecting said arm members.

2. The combination of claim 1 and means securing each of said arms to said first frame, said securing means including corner members secured to each corner of the first frame each having a bearing plate, laterally projecting pivot pins fixed to said arms and extending through said corner members, said arms overlying said plates, anti-friction means between said plates and said arms, nuts threaded on said pins and bearings on said pins and retained against said corner members by said nuts.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said connecting member comprises upper and lower pairs of arcuate and perforated plates, one pair of said plates being pivoted to said one of said arm members and the other pair of said plates being pivoted to said other of said arm members, vertical webs on each of said plates and having apertures, and a pair of parallel rods having their end received in said apertures to connect said pairs of plates.

4. The combination of claim 1 and gusset plates fixed to and reinforcing and strengthening the corners of the second frame, and pivots extending through the gusset plates and pivotally attaching said arms to the second frame.

EMIL F. KROI-IN.

(References on following page) 9 REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

Number UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Clark Apr. 18, 1882 Bucknam July 21, 1914 Plancq Mar. 17, 1917 Bucknam Dec. 2, 1919 Plumley Sept. 14, 1920 Krebs Oct. 6, 1925 Braren Feb. 8, 1927 Pagani Apr. 22, 1930 Krebs June 17, 1930 Wambsgans Oct. 27, 1931 Shippy June 7, 1932 Anderson Oct. 23, 1934 Number Number 

